How to Create a Physical Security Strategy for Your Business

Creating and maintaining a safe workplace requires proactive security strategies, from surveillance to emergency response protocols. There’s no question that threats exist, and creating a security strategy in today’s landscape requires looking beyond the basics to create a comprehensive plan.

If you have doubts about your organization’s security structure, what steps are you currently taking to minimize those risks?

Security Basics for Your Business 

1. Reach Out to Local Law Enforcement 

If you have not already done so, reach out to local law enforcement for local statistics and information. If you are in the position to do so, arrange for them to visit your property to see what recommendations they have. Getting eyes on the property can help you create a security plan that is adjusted for your location and operations specifically.

2. Lights, Camera, Action 

Be sure that your property is well lit and that lights are on sensors or timers. Check all areas of the facility for adequate lighting, including parking lots, stairwells, and parking garages.

Security cameras can provide law enforcement valuable evidence, help maintain a perimeter, and help you monitor areas that you may be away from or not have access to. Know what areas you can and can’t legally record in. in some jurisdictions you are required to provide proper signage to notify individuals that they are being recorded. Know the federal and state regulations for where you are located to be sure you are in compliance.

Another thing to consider with security cameras is resolution. Be sure that your cameras have the capabilities to clearly capture important details, like license plate numbers and facial features.

3. Visitors and Your Business    

Have a sign in policy in place for visitors, and specify what areas they can access, and what areas should be off limits. State who should accompany visitors while they are on your premises. Only authorized people should have access to secure areas.

4. Know What Type of Alarm System Fits Your Business Now 

There are a number of alarm systems on the market, from ones that you can install relatively quickly, to custom packages that work with cybersecurity.

If you have an alarm system currently in place, evaluate whether it meets your needs currently. Do you need continuous video monitoring?

Perform a Physical Security Risk Assessment 

Your risk assessment should be meticulous, identifying possible threats, and what assets will need protection.

Look at crime rates in your area, as well as what natural disasters could be likely. You will want to create a risk matrix. This is a visual tool used to analyze and prioritize hazards.

Create a Record of What Security Systems You Currently Have in Place 

Put together a record of what systems you already have in place. These could be surveillance systems, policies, or emergency response plans. Take into account how they have been working for your business and note any gaps.

Create Emergency Response Plans for Your Business 

Preparing several emergency response plans is a wise choice. These could include plans for situations like:

• Fires
• Hurricanes
• Pandemics
• Power outages
• Cyber attacks
• Active assailants
• Floods
• Natural disasters

Each of these emergencies can affect multiple aspects of your business. Create a clear plan for how you will handle things like:

• Cash Flow
• Payroll
• Delays in supply chain
• Customer communications

In some instances, workplace safety laws may require you to have certain emergency preparedness plans in place. It is a good idea to check your local laws and consult with an attorney regarding any legal requirements.

Train Your Employees 

Drills, education, and exercises are all key to training your employees for what to do in an emergency situation. Employees should know all of the safety protocols you may have in place, such as your visitor policy, and how to report suspicious activity. Be sure that these trainings are reviewed regularly.

A tabletop exercise can be a controlled environment to spell out roles and responsibilities, and identify any potential gaps in a plan.

Consider Business Interruption Insurance  

Business interruption insurance is an insurance coverage that can help to replace a portion of a business’s income in the event a covered peril occurs and causes a business to pause operations or temporarily relocate.

It is important to note that business interruption insurance works with your commercial property insurance. For example, in the event that a fire, natural disaster, or theft, causes physical damage to your business’s property, your commercial property insurance may cover the costs of repair. If your company has to temporarily close or relocate while those repairs are being performed, business interruption insurance may cover a portion of your company’s lost income during some of that temporary period of closure or relocation.

How Long Can Business Interruption Insurance Last? 

Often referred to as a “restoration period,” “period of liability,” or “period of indemnity,” business interruption insurance has a period of time that coverage begins and ends. This length of time that your policy will help to pay for lost income, etc. can be found in your specific insurance policy.

 

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.